Back in Pakistan, opposition leaders unimpressed with Modi-Nawaz icebreaker
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That the estranged leaders of Pakistan and India made an attempt to revive a stalled dialogue process in Russia on Friday is an encouraging step towards a cessation in recent bitter hostilities.
Despite being visceral rivals, the prime minister’s spokesman in a conversation with Dawn.com dubbed the meeting between the statesmen a “victory for Pakistan”; Indian papers echoed the same euphoria, as the Indian Ministry of External Affairs hailed it as a “productive” meeting.
Read more: Indian PM Modi accepts invite for first Pakistan visit: joint statement
But back at home, opposition parties were not so starry-eyed.
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Soon after Nawaz Sharif and Narendra Modi shook hands at the Congress hall in Ufa and signaled a symbolic ceasefire in a heated political arena, an infuriated Senator Rehman Malik dispatched a press release that detailed his reading of the icebreaker.
“The recent meeting [of] Modi with Sharif clearly demonstrates how disrespectful Mr Modi was towards Sharif,” Malik was quoted by a spokesman as saying.
The former interior minister compared Modi to “the Tsar of Russia” as he described how the two state leaders interacted.
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“[Our prime minister] was made to walk through a long corridor towards Modi’s chair/throne. [Modi] didn’t show the slightest courtesy under diplomatic norms for his Pakistani counterpart to walk a few steps forward to receive him.”
At the end, he termed Modi’s approach “rude and undiplomatic,” adding that it “badly hurt the feelings of the Pakistani nation”.
Not one to be left behind, Shireen Mazari of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) expressed dismay over the manner in which she felt Sharif “appeased India” in the meeting.
Mazari felt that Sharif’s invitation to the Indian head of state was unnecessary and “beyond the requirements of diplomatic protocol”, as the same would have gone out as a matter of routine.
The PTI leader was equally disturbed at what she said was silence on the Kashmir issue and Indian involvement in Balochistan. “Modi raised Mumbai and Sharif agreed to ‘fast track’ the investigations. Not a word on Samjhota Express was uttered by PM Sharif,” she fumed.
'Making a mountain out of a molehill’
Dr Mussadik Malik, spokesperson for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, appeared equally infuriated with the criticism of the premier.
Speaking to Dawn.com, he said, “With friends like him [Rehman Malik], who needs enemies?" “He is making a mountain out of a molehill. When two leaders of international stature meet, such minor details do not matter."
He continued to say that Modi was the one to initiate contact when he called Nawaz to extend wishes for Ramazan.
“Again the Indian government had confirmed the meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.”
The meetings of Indian and Pakistani heads of state have historically invited overzealous scrutiny from both countries.
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| Nawaz Sharif and Manmohan Singh met for just over one hour at a New York hotel on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in September,2013. — AFP/file |
Before Modi took power, a controversy preceded the interaction of Sharif and then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and seemingly made bigger news than the actual meeting.
Read more: The 'dehati aurat' controversy
The controversy, which began with a remark, drew interesting reactions from a number of members of the Indian government as well as the opposition, putting these in an interesting light as India geared for national elections in 2014.
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In 2002 during General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s era, the former president forced then Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to rise and shake hands with him at SAARC, a move that many believed could help deter the two countries from their untenable logic of war.
Also read: Handshake with Vajpayee charms Saarc
The Indian leader got up from his seat and extended his hand to Musharraf. The applause that followed the clasp came close to deafening decibels and many in the media teams from India and Pakistan appeared to have lost their composure for a while to join the clapping.
With additional reporting from Irfan Haider in Islamabad
Correction: An earlier version of this article misquoted Senator Rehman Malik as saying that PM Sharif has hurt the nation. The senator was in fact referring to the Indian premier. The error is regretted.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (131) Closed
Jul 10, 2015 05:00pm
What is such a big deal. Who walked or who sat. Important thing is they talked.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:03pm
It's their duty to criticise everything even if it's good!
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Jul 10, 2015 05:03pm
I think talk of Indian involvement is just for domestic consumption or to keep masses diverted from real issues. At international platform you cannot talk without solid proof and honorable PM Nawaz Sharif knows it very well.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:04pm
India-Pakistan peace is need of the region. Those who are opposing this Peace process there must be some political agendas behind.
India-Pakistan peace will bring Development, Infrastructure, stability & harmony around the region.
Bilateral ties between region can encourage people to people communication and friendship.
Let there be peace.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:08pm
This is very stupid. This shows Pakistan ego. One time we say India is our big brother and at the other occasion we debate on such small things. Pakistan has to stop this double standard tactics to achieve peace in this sub continent.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:08pm
come on ..this is so trivial who walked ..
It someone thoughts that make him see what they want to see ... even if it is written 'right' somewhere and your mind want to read it wrong it will read 'wrong' irrespective of what is written there.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:09pm
Well done Navaz Sharif. !!!
We should remove all the difference even if we have to step first.
Shame on all those people who are criticizing.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:12pm
@Padmakar - Did you not listen to Modi's admission in his speech in Bangladesh? That is the "proof" in itself from the horse's mouth.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:15pm
Modi has given a clear message to Sharif that Pakistan has to take ten steps to India's one to make peace with her.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:16pm
It has absolutely no value as the Indians here have played a hand with Pakistan. They have been feeling the pressure after getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar as far as their involvement in Baluchistan is concerned and they wanted to release some pressure. They wanted to divert the attention of the world and have successfully done that. Expect no more from this as INDIA will never enter into a meaningful talks with Pakistan as long as they don't feel their own security is threatened . Unfortunate but true !
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Jul 10, 2015 05:17pm
Is it finger or a gun!
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Jul 10, 2015 05:19pm
Bilateral ties will bring important projects like Gas pipe line from Iran. which will benefit to setup many new Power project in Pakistan & India. Frankly Pakistan has serious issue of Load-shedding than India. If we are able to produce more electricity we can setup more and more business parks , Entrepreneurship and Good lifestyle.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:24pm
It's called diplomatic norms, a matter of curtsey, a statesmanship.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:25pm
Its a request to all the responsible citizens of both the nations to stop trying to make hell out of anything. If leaders start thinking about these small things how can they deal with big issues.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:38pm
This meeting is a good step. We need peace badly for our nation to prosper and make any progress in improving lives of our people.
A nation is looked strong when people are skillful, well educated, healthy, and live a long life. Nawaz Sharif is proving to be a good leader this time around and we should all support him.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:38pm
@Ali Its not stupid Sir and has nothing to do with ego. Its about national pride and respect. There can be no friendship without respect.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:40pm
Next year ? Much water shall have flowed past under the hand shake "bridge".it shows how much low priority Modi assigns to relations with Pakistan . MNS has not acted prudently .
. Is it any different from Mush . bending backward ?
Pakistan may be showing too much eagerness and this is not becoming of
a nuclear power .
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Jul 10, 2015 05:40pm
in indian media ,they are saying that Modi extended his hand first for handshake and not Sharief,opposition are also saying that Modi has bend backwards in front of pakistan
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Jul 10, 2015 05:44pm
It was long due. It plateaued there for sometime both side have tried all tools at their disposals. Indian were having upper hand in diplomacy so they were not going to blink first. Chinese were raising concern over full membership of India and Pakistan because both will have one more platform to quarrel. Nawaz Shariff was quick to realize and stopped it in bud. Good move Mr Prime Minister!!
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Jul 10, 2015 05:53pm
As Winston Churchill said, the leaders and politicians of the sub-continent are of such a small stature that they are joke for themselves. Instead of joining forces and realizing the mutual prosperity and benefits to all the common citizens of the sub-continent, they squabble like little boys and girls about who stood, who walked, or who said what. Priceless!!
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Jul 10, 2015 05:53pm
@Last Word. Then my friend peace will not happen. Sad.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:54pm
IT is this petty thinking-who walked in whose direction- which prevents the trust from building up even at people to people level. Please understand, no leader representing a country will show lack of respect toward the other. we must stop this unnecessary and uncalled inferences and give due credit to our leaders as and when they deserve.
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Jul 10, 2015 05:58pm
When opposition parties in both Pakistan and India criticise an initiative like this that means something good happening. People of both country wants peace and development , normalisation of relation and frequent visits.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:03pm
"He started it"..."no she started it"....etc etc.
Yet, I read people post on these message boards things like "to err is human, to forgive is divine".
We can't go back in time and change history, and neither can we predict the future.
Let's tackle the reality on the ground and make the most of it.
Politicians from opposition parties will always challenge the government - that is their job.
And remember, one person might call the glass "half empty", whilst the other person calls it "half full". This doesn't change the amount of liquid in the glass.
Same applies to politics - as long as something positive comes out of the meeting, then surely that is paramount and rest is just trivial.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:08pm
Oh my gosh... Are we really getting offended at this? What is the big deal? So what if he had to walk a few extra steps?
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Jul 10, 2015 06:08pm
Only by mutual respect the two nations can move forward. Let the people of Kashmir decide if they want to stay with India or Pakistan. Indians have huge stock pile of weapons and has recently agreed to be involved in sponsoring terrorists in Pakistan.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:09pm
Well there were many things Sharif should have done, but it looked like he was not interested in the meeting.....
and Sharif is from a big businessmen family unlike his counterpart, so he is a big man in terms of these things (like walking towards someone etc etc) and Modi was only showing his manners which we already expect from him as you all know, so what's new in this? Nothing.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:09pm
When two leaders of international stature meet, such minor details do not matter. That says all.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:10pm
It looks like Modi was already waiting for Pak PM to arrive. None of the Indian news papers said that Modi was made to wait.
Peace is important. There should not be any room for hate and ego.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:10pm
If people in Pakistan expects Modi is there to charm you folks, its your mistake. PM Nawaz is well aware that how precious it is those few hours he spend together with Modi.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:11pm
The manner in which he handled his forced exile, then becoming leader of the main opposition and finally the PM shows that Nawaz Sharief is an eminent politician/statesman of Pakistan. Having handled successfully so many odds, he is qualified to handle Modi. So relax, Rehman Malik, et al.You are in safe hands.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:17pm
If you see Modi he is walking few steps towards our PM...!! if we keep complaining to all small issues then people around the world will start laughing at Pakistan
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Jul 10, 2015 06:20pm
@MANISH come on many states in india still live i dark ages, consider parts of Bihar, UP, Orrisa etc.!
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Jul 10, 2015 06:26pm
Enough of politics guys... lets just start from some where
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Jul 10, 2015 06:26pm
Back to square one, no breakthrough, it was just a photo shoot.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:29pm
Both the country has irresponsible opposition. Important is who talks first not who walks first...
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Jul 10, 2015 06:36pm
If mr sharif walked to meet our pm then my respect for mr sharif only increases since he doesn't care abt petty issues. Let's hope for more peaceful times on both our borders. It's a positive step.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:38pm
Looks like Nawaz Sharif arrived late. Had he arrived early, we might have seen him receive Mr. Modi.
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Jul 10, 2015 06:46pm
Again the drama has begun. Sinusoidal wave of India Pakistan relations. Good talk -bad talk. Nothing concrete
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Jul 10, 2015 06:48pm
you know there is deeper bitterness between the two states than can be healed or patched by a handshake or 'secretary lvl talks' - ans there is something deep and dark anout it - something scandalous on the scale of Odeipal urges - one needs the other to hate and define oneself in relief . each gives a sharper contrast and definition to the other . that sort of schisms . with small moves and gestures overzealously recieved or blown out of proportion to imagine a slight - there is this poetry to it and high drama of tribal rivalries - from a disengaged prespective it is exciting actually - life would be dull if india were to vanish tomorrow and i believe same is for indians regarding pakistan -
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Jul 10, 2015 06:56pm
@Last Word , there is no last word in the book of diplomacy, it goes on and on.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:00pm
Nawaz sharif take things non seriously as if on a vacation enjoying meeting new people main purpose is always to enjoy europe cool sceneries
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Jul 10, 2015 07:02pm
@MANISH ... People need to think ahead. If India and Pakistan cannot cooperate the continent will starve to death or drown. It Pakistan and India go to war no other countries will involve themselves in that mess. Only money in the Banky Moon will protest to the world media. Get your lack of hospitals ready for war.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:05pm
@kuriouskat
National pride and respect is another word for collective ego
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Jul 10, 2015 07:09pm
Guys take it easy. Look it other around.
PM modi was made to wait for PM Sharrif, who entered on his free will later.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:12pm
Egoistic politicians are perhaps made these two countries the most feared enemies already for each other, hope politicians of both sides will mature enough to ensure peace from their end, peace loving citizen from both sides perhaps except the same favor from them.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:16pm
Pakistani media should try to find out the exact motivation behind Sharif desperate attempts to appease India. All the theories of neighborly friendship are very good but we still don't know the reasons behind Sharif's moves. Sharif should also clear his motivations to the public after all he is the elected prime minister
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Jul 10, 2015 07:20pm
We need cooperation and peace in the region. Look at Europe. How they working together in european union. For prosperity of people of south asia, good relation are a must.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:21pm
Hope Nawaz Sharif will ask India not to release the flood waters down towards pakistan.Hope this meeting brings co operation between the two nations and Pakistan can make its dam which also benefits both sides including the CPEC corridor.Hope India realizes that united we stand as the enemies do not want us together as together we become regional super duper powers.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:22pm
@Ali Its not about Pakistan. These are political parties and they need some issues for their political point scoring.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:32pm
All this instability within pakistan to create tension between pakistan and India was intended for our two nation to remain hostile.This was meant to stop India and Pakistan to seek co operation and stop the formation of BRICS as India is a vital part of BRICS as well as China.The zionists wanted to weaken the relations between these countries of BRICS.Russia on the other hand moves forward in a show of power to subdue the falling Europe which relies on Russias energy sector.Wish the best for BRICS and their currency.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:38pm
What I realized is people want peace and prosperity. They want India or Pakistan to be like some advanced European nation. Finally for the first time in India, one person with same view became PM. Sharif too want's peace.
Opposition in both countries think their job is to oppose anything and everything ruling party does. Good or Bad. Opposition thinks their job is to criticize anything and everything. Instead of seeing big picture they look for minute things like who walked where, who pointed where and who said what. They do not know seating arrangement, nor did they hear what they were talking.
I personally think it was nice of Sharif to walk. We walk to meet friends. We go to airport to pick up friends. If walking is an issue, next time modi can walk as such he loves to exercise! it is good for health
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Jul 10, 2015 07:39pm
Nawz id a sellout for his personal business interests. He should have never met Modi and simply refused to meet him exactly the way India has been falsely treating Pakistan for last many years. We have nothing to do with India, we don't need their friendship or enmity. Yes, at times we liked their movies but now that's gone too.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:43pm
In this context, both Pakistanis and Indians they are negative. Why don't you guys relax and see what these two leaders are up to? Forget past, be hopeful for the future and "think differently".
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Jul 10, 2015 07:44pm
Harmony -1 What exactly do you mean by proof? That Modi admitted that India was involved in Bangladesh? Off course India was involved from day one. Why do you need proof? We trained Mukti Bahini, we played a very important role in creating Bangladesh. I don't understand the confusion amongst Pakistanis about almost everything historical. India has never hidden its role in creating Bangladesh. How can you hide a war? In 1971 India and Pakistan fought a war in East Pakistan which later became Bangladesh. Where is the confusion? We teach this in our text books. It's out in the open. You guys woke up late.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:53pm
It's very sad that Narendra Modi does not understand the importance of having a good relationship with neighbors, for people of both sides hopefully this could be a good start.
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Jul 10, 2015 07:58pm
It seems here no one has read the rules of international protocols,very strange !!!!
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Jul 10, 2015 08:01pm
What a childish interpretation that NS was made to walk. Someone could also say that Modi was made to wait...huh!
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Jul 10, 2015 08:06pm
There should be good relations between the two countries. But I am skeptical. But meeting is always good to keep the temperature low.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:07pm
I think we need to come to the realization that we have a dispute that is practically impossible to resolve, given that both sides wont ever back off on their respective stands. That being said, the most practical approach would be to at the very least maintain peace on borders so we could focus on other bigger issues of poverty and development. Talking of political bravado all the time is not going to take the two nations anywhere in the long run. We cant afford another war, so peace is the only other option.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:12pm
This is not a right time to talk.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:13pm
@Siddhartha We should get together. We might bring peace long before any other!
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Jul 10, 2015 08:24pm
If Nawaz Sharif has taken few steps more than Modi with sincerity of purpose of making peace, the same should be welcomed both by Indians and Pakistanis rather than criticising this good-will gesture.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:33pm
@Tanweer Khan ..Agree with you. One thing though ..Per Modi, Glass is always full. Half filled with liquid, rest with air.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:35pm
There are enough vested interests in both countries to scuttle any progress that is made. That is where leadership is required. I hope both countries do not allow this positive momentum to drop and let our relationship be held hostage by history. Unfortunately we are just one crises away from reverting to age old hostility.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:35pm
The opposition in both the countries make a mountain of a mole. But these two P.M.s have come forward to meet and with in a hour of their talk could come out with such a joint statement shows the seriousness of these two leaders and any one discrediting will do great hard to a friendly relationship between the two countries.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:39pm
Criticism coming from likes of PPP should be taken seriously?
Also, PTI is heading the KPK province. Can this party stop grabbing media's limelight and focus on their actual work?
PMLN has delivered so far: economic turnaround, investment deals, solar park, improvement in international relations, railway and to some extent PIA revitalization, declining crime and terrorism, improvement in corruption rankings...
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Jul 10, 2015 08:50pm
I am not a big fan of Nawaz Sharif but kudos to him for extending his hand to Modi. Nowhere it says that India and Pakistan can't be courteous to each other. A start of dialogue can only bother people who have their own agenda instead of Nations.
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Jul 10, 2015 08:54pm
Well MR Rehman Mallik should also remember that Chinese President Xi also never budges from its place,so should Rehman Mallik also criticize Xi Jingping
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Jul 10, 2015 08:54pm
This also reminds me once how Mr. Modi tried to shake hands with the German PM and she ignored him :). I think this is Mr. Modi's insecurity, nothing else :-)
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Jul 10, 2015 08:56pm
For all those who are criticizing Sharif for walking 10 steps, they are seeing the can half empty and not full. If you see from other aspect - Modi was waiting for the master to come in the room and shake hands with him. It is just the way you look at it
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Jul 10, 2015 08:59pm
Those are egoistic people who said who walked more step towards or less?? Modi lots of time give call to NS but never we think the way these people.. Anyway I hope high with these meeting.. If both country want move together than this people should keep aside.
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Jul 10, 2015 09:07pm
If it was a 20 step corridor then they were 20 postive steps for Pakistan. The nay sayers be damned.
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Jul 10, 2015 09:07pm
Please no don't create negativity among common man. We are talking again and I strongly believe Modi should visit Pakistan. If we can't be brothers than we can be friends
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Jul 10, 2015 09:10pm
Thanks DAWN for putting the video clips. It clearly shows Modi was already there and receiving Sharif who was walking towards the podium and Modi took initial steps and was the first to lend his hand. Comeo guyz....it is a cherishable moment for both of our countries..after all the bitterness.Lets not try to find a way to create trouble.
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Jul 10, 2015 09:17pm
Inviting indian Prime Minister was unnecessary. Just inviting him would not make any difference when there is no trust and ground work done.
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Jul 10, 2015 09:25pm
How is it Sharif's fault if Modi does not follow diplomatic protocols.
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Jul 10, 2015 09:28pm
The criticism of the Prime Ministers is uncalled for. It is good that the two leaders have met. It would help improve the situation. Peace is joint enterprise of all in this world. However Pakistan looks for restoration of friendly relations with India more keenly as it would open the vista of opportunities and relieve the economic pressure on us by the opening of trade to full flow. It would also help in the field of education and health. Besides it is respectful that the two countries live together decently rather than tensions. There is need to restoration of goodwill and amity to work together. Even the people of Kashmir can hope to some resolution of the dispute. Pakistan and India are entwined culturally. There are common local cultures.
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Jul 10, 2015 09:29pm
Good Move Modi+Sharif.....Just Keep On Talking and ignore the nay sayers!!! Someday we will make peace.... work towards that! I'm not a Modi Fan btw!
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Jul 10, 2015 09:43pm
Politicians and press in both India and Pakistan are at the height of their stupidity. I think this was a great start. In India also like Pakistan every opposition party in India is criticizing Modi for meeting NS.
Time for people to grow up and stop criticizing efforts the PM's are making to normalize relationships.
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Jul 10, 2015 09:48pm
I am a Pakistani.........and although I really dislike both ...Modi and Nawaz.......but what i see in video is that Mr. Modi has already reached the place where the seats are positioned for their meeting.......and Nawz who came after Modi went to his chair where Mr. Modi was already waiting.........just see the video again.....by this we can say that Modi was already waiting for Nawaz...which in tradition of South Asia is a sign of respect (but I guess both sides dont want to give respect to each other) and this is just a matter of who reached first.............simple........
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Jul 10, 2015 10:01pm
Guf tun Nsisht tun Barkas tun.. Old Persian adage for describition of such photo optic meetings.
Seated aimless chatering and then dispersing !!!!
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Jul 10, 2015 10:06pm
Never seen opposition support government. If matter can be solved by discussion, then it is best way.
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Jul 10, 2015 10:08pm
Everlasting peace in the region is based on the continuous conversations between the two countries. It is good and encouraging for both the nations that leaders meet and discuss for betterment of both the countries. Please do not heed to those always talk negatively from both the countries.
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Jul 10, 2015 10:23pm
The opposition parties in India are unimpressed too. As the name suggests it is their job to oppose.
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Jul 10, 2015 10:26pm
@adnan Unfortunately, that is the role these opposition parties are expected to play to keep their support intact.
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Jul 10, 2015 10:27pm
If you observe closely it is Mr. Modi who raises his hand to shake first. What interpretation can you make of it Rehman Malik?
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Jul 10, 2015 10:39pm
I always think that indian congress is a worst opposition, evven here india congress did conference beform meeting. This we called frustration of Congress party.they start opposing even without thinking. Same thing now I saw in Pakistan opposition parties. But in india it's first time .other wise in india we never criticize PM on foreign tour.i think congress has no issue that why they are looking for issues and making mole.samething in Pakistan as well
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Jul 10, 2015 10:52pm
Opposition parties should not have the habit of just searching a reason to criticize Govt. They should evaluate what has been achieved and its impact.
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Jul 10, 2015 10:59pm
It is good that this meeting of two leaders occurred.
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Jul 10, 2015 11:03pm
@Imran
It shows class of Navasji. He should be praised rather then rebuked. Shame on opposition leader.
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Jul 10, 2015 11:06pm
meanwhile india now exporting space technology .1bn earned today.
Isro successfully launches PSLV-C28 carrying 5 UK satellites
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Jul 10, 2015 11:16pm
They met, they talked. why is this worse than war? can the insignificant little people in politics just shut up and let the two countries initiate meaningful dialoge to escape the viscous circle we keep finding ourselves in.
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Jul 10, 2015 11:37pm
Its so similar in both the countries when it comes to opposition. Modi was criticized the same way when he did similar gestures during an earlier meeting with Nawaz Sharief. .
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Jul 10, 2015 11:48pm
This is just a routine cycle. For next few days we will all chant peace and then the hawks will rein in from both countries.
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Jul 10, 2015 11:49pm
If picture is worth a thousand words, then this picture in the article above appears to be displaying Modi lecturing Sharif. Pointing finger in most cultures is considered rude and there are many other ways to get your point across. I don't know what they were talking about, but if I was to guess from the picture, it appears Modi is displaying absolutely no respect for our Prime Minister.
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Jul 10, 2015 11:56pm
@Harmony-1 : yes, but do we want to live in the past or should we work on the future? Wars, hatred, disputes have not given India and Pakistan anything in the past 70+ years. Do we want to keep living like we have lived or should we gather straws of hope for peace!
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Jul 11, 2015 12:07am
Surprisingly, Nawaz did not highlight the Kashmir question. i think the governments of both these rivals must resolve the issue or refuse to do so. Undoubtedly, peace in the region is intrinsically linked to kashmir ,so there should not be any ambiguity in it.Moreover, both countries should de-escalate the tension in their respective sides. both must stop spy games and hatch conspiracies against each other.
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Jul 11, 2015 12:10am
@kashif saif According to India, Kashmir is not the key issue to resolve the relations with Pakistan. That's our (Pakistan's) take that without Kashmir nothing is possible. So be it.
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Jul 11, 2015 12:13am
@sana Saddened to see your comment. Small people, people with warped thinking, people with egos, think like what you have written.
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Jul 11, 2015 12:19am
Nawaz Sharif is a gentleman to the core. No doubt about that. He has a vision to improve this relation. All these small talks don't help the bigger cause, Pakistani leaders back home are saying NS was made to walk and Indians must be saying that Modi was made to wait.Let's give our leaders some time and space, they know the importance of maintaining cordial relations.
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Jul 11, 2015 12:20am
This is just a photo shoot. They both are force to talk under American pressure.
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Jul 11, 2015 12:25am
And speaking about walking Mr modi would have required to walk towards the chair where it was placed so its not a big deal whether Modi Ji walked or NS ji
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Jul 11, 2015 12:30am
We need to focus on the substance of the meeting between the two leaders instead of talking about such petty, immature & irrelevant things as who took the first step or who extended the hand shake first. The meeting seems like a big success from Pakistan's perspective since India has agreed to resume dialogue, which was the major issue which Pakistan had with India. Also, Nawaz Sharif should be given a lot of credit here for convincing Modi to go to Pakistan. This was thinkable till a few weeks ago when the two countries were engaged in a war of words. Mr. Rehman Malik is being critical of Nawaz Sharif just for the sake of being critical.
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Jul 11, 2015 12:47am
I agree as Pakistani , walk, sit does not matter ... they talked which is good , our grievance with the pm of Pakistani is that he didn't talked about the old Kashmir issue, we need to resolve it and of course as mentioned in the article not a word on Samjhota express and Indian officers accepting their roles in espionage in Pakistan...both leaders need to draw a line not to interfere in others matter and then live and let live!!!
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Jul 11, 2015 01:05am
@peace.
I agree. Western Nations are probably laughing behind our backs at this immature childish debates.
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Jul 11, 2015 01:26am
@KM Truth is always bitter....
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Jul 11, 2015 01:32am
Nawaz sharif is a true leader I am really impressed with his statesmanship. After a long time we have seen a leader true to his job I am a great fan of Imran Khan but I must admit it was unnecessary for his party member to criticise Nawaz besides Mr Modi is older than Mr. Shard. He has to show respect to his big brother . I love Indian people I just hope some of them stop criticising Pakistan we Pakistanis hardly criticise India so please give us the same respect.
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Jul 11, 2015 01:38am
Opposition is nit picking . Irrelevant .
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Jul 11, 2015 01:39am
Sorry that Pakistani ego is hurt by Modi's gesture.
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Jul 11, 2015 01:43am
The real issue are rivers from Himalayas .not Kashmir. So it is better for both of us to use share resources efficiently frugally and to the best interests of civilisation on either side
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Jul 11, 2015 01:43am
Give it a rest, opposition. Time to give peace a chance. Almost 70 years of this nonsense has to stop.
The media in both countries doesn't help either.
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Jul 11, 2015 01:46am
test
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Jul 11, 2015 01:58am
The criticism of the recent meeting between Modi and sharif by Malik and Mazari depicts narrow-minded opposition in Pakistan who are more concerned about false pride and protocol than peace and prosperity of the country. Leaders of the two country should meet as friends casually and often to resolve problems amicably.
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Jul 11, 2015 02:06am
@Abzz best comment :)
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Jul 11, 2015 02:19am
How I see it, that Modi was first to arrive at the venue and was waiting for PM Nawaz Sharif at the spot where they were supposed to sit. So, my dear friends those who are making big noise about Modi's not walking towards Nawaz is wrong. Infect, by waiting for him before hand, he has proven his positive intent about the meeting.
By the way, we should not be getting bogged down in minor things rather having a macro picture in mind is the way to move forward. India or Pakistan, we all are one.
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Jul 11, 2015 02:26am
Actually did see Mr Modi smile and shower warmth while shaking hands also it was reciprocated well by Mr Nawaz Sharif.
I didn't find any ego or bad gesture..... What's this fuss all about??
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Jul 11, 2015 02:28am
A good step towards peace. When you want peace you do no lay conditions but start with some confidence building and accepting certain pitfalls. Release of Fishermen with their boat has been ignored by many politicians. Just imagine how much families of fishermen will be happy. This is a great milestone for both countries to release innocent people. Cry babies have to stop crying.
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Jul 11, 2015 02:37am
It is regrettable that opposition is not letting Sharif work.
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Jul 11, 2015 03:04am
why dont you think like this?Mr Sharif made our PM wait for him.?Do you have to critisise everything for the sake of it?
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Jul 11, 2015 03:28am
Please see the positive side of it. It is not good to see only negative side always
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Jul 11, 2015 03:49am
peace is the need of the hour . Let's promote everything that can lead to peace . In Europe and USA Indians and Pakistanis are like brothers and best fiends . Why not we get over the past and help each other rise economically .
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Jul 11, 2015 04:56am
Expected some better admin from Modi and BJP.
BJP govt is not doing good...there is growing discontent.
Modi is trying to use foreign diplomacy as a diversionary tactic from lack of any progress in economy, infra, edu so far in his tenure.
I think softening of stand and meeting Pak PM is one such move.
Next year he will visit PAK for sure. I expected this will be the case...all Indian PMs do this sort of thing. Overall, Modi's lack of experience is on display, not well thought out policy on financial, diplomatic or military front. Just impromptu decision by one man - Modi, which is just for attention grabing. Done nothing good in india, despite what bjp and its related grps write.
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Jul 11, 2015 04:57am
@Imran You nailed it on the head. I agree with your conclusion.
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Jul 11, 2015 05:58am
Nawaz is not a leader to represent Pakistan in the international community. No one can beat Musharraf.
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Jul 11, 2015 07:36am
@Abzz I Agree....story of two goats shouldn't be repeated here when welfare of two countries is concerned......well done Mr Nawaz Sharif....opposition will keep on saying something....but this time their statement was stupid one
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Jul 11, 2015 07:42am
I think its absolutely unwarranted to talk on who walked first and who walked last...one can even say that Sharif made modi wait....most important point is, they met and released joint statement.. even if this leads to release of few fisher men from both jails...I am happy !!!
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Jul 11, 2015 09:14am
Good initiative taken by both the leaders . Every one should appreciate the move.
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Jul 11, 2015 09:47am
Making a Mountain out of a mole-hill. Putting Form before substance. Making statements for Political opportunism before showing statesmanship. The point is to get to meet, not who invited whom, and who accepted, ho stayed at home and who visited. The objective is to move ahead TOGETHER and not count who walks how many steps as long both movements are in the right direction, which these clearly are.
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Jul 11, 2015 10:15am
It looks like PM Modi was at his chair before PM Sharif, and that is why he had to walk all the way where the chairs were, don't know whats with Mr. Malik
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Jul 11, 2015 01:53pm
Mr.Modi was already waiting for Mr.Nawaz Sharif ,as the video shows,so naturally Sharif was to cover the distance taking steps. Mr.Modi was corteous to him as he took a few steps to him to offer his hand for handshake. So where is the question of Modi being arrogant? We should not try to see the things as we wish to instead we should hope for the best.
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